Pelvic floor therapy in Bethalto, IL. Pelvic floor causes more than just physical discomfort; it can affect your self-esteem and independence. If pelvic floor dysfunction is preventing you from dominating on the grass, beginning parenthood, or just getting through a day with the same confidence and comfort you used to, pelvic floor physical therapy may be what you need to regain your lifestyle. With evidence-backed treatment plans, pelvic floor therapy in Bethalto, IL can lead to:

• Improved bladder and bowel control
• Reduced pain and inflammation
• Enhanced sexual function and satisfaction
• Increased confidence and well-being

Axes Physical Therapy in Bethalto, IL specializes in creating personalized treatment plans that gets pelvic floor patients back to the pastimes they enjoy most safely and effectively. If you are curious in gaining more information about pelvic floor therapy or wish to schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapusts, please contact us online today or contact to the Axes location nearest you. We’re here to help you restore command and confidence in your pelvic health.

How the Pelvic Floor Works

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and tissues that constitute a supportive net-like structure at the base of the pelvis. It acts like a “floor” or a foundation for the organs in your pelvis, including the bladder, uterus, urethra, and rectum. The pelvic floor protects organs and your spine from external pressure while helping control several basic functions.

The pelvic floor provides a number of vital functions for the body:

• Helps regulate your bladder and bowels by giving you control over the squeezing and release of muscles
• Supports organs in the pelvis and avoids them from prolapsing
• Resists belly pressure from lifting, coughing, or other activities
• Supports well-functioning sexual function
• Provides stability and alignment to the core and back
• During pregnancy, stretches to accommodate a growing fetus and supports vaginal delivery in childbirth
• Assists in blood and lymphatic circulation, contributing to maintain vibrant tissue

Pelvic Floor Anatomy

The pelvic floor muscles stretch from the tailbone at the back to the pubic bone at the front, while also linking to the hip bones on each side. These muscles have channels or canals for the urethra (through which urine is passed), the vagina, and the anus (through which stool is passed).

Imagine the pelvic floor as a woven network of muscles and tissues that forms a resilient foundation, holding the pelvic organs in place and preventing them from sagging. It works like a supportive sling to maintain the position and function of pelvic organs.

The main muscles of the pelvic floor are called the levator ani and the coccygeus. The levator ani has three parts: one that wraps around the rectum and assists you to hold in your stool (puborectalis), one that connects the front and back bones of your pelvis and supports the urethra and rectum (pubococcygeus), and one that connects the side and back bones of your pelvis and supports the organs inside your abdomen (iliococcygeus). The coccygeus connects the side and back bones of your pelvis and helps to keep your pelvis stable.

The pelvic floor muscles have essential roles. They assist in regulating the release of urine and stool by contracting and relaxing at the right times and play a part in sexual function and satisfaction by providing support to the organs involved in sexual activity. When the pelvic floor is diminished or becomes too tense, it leads to pelvic floor dysfunction.

Causes, Signs, and Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition where you experience difficulty relaxing and coordinating your pelvic floor muscles for optimal function.

Signs and Symptoms

• Trouble urinating or having bowel movements
• Feeling like your bowel movements are not fully finished
• Leakage of urine or feces
• Frequently feeling the need to use the bathroom
• Feeling like you need to force out waste
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Erectile dysfunction and trouble ejaculating
• Organ prolapse

Potential Causes

• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Pelvic surgery or trauma
• Obesity
• Aging
• Menopause
• Chronic constipation or straining
• Chronic coughing or sneezing
• Heavy lifting or high-impact exercise
• Psychological factors like stress or emotional trauma
• Nerve damage
• Surgery

Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t just affect people of a single certain age, gender or physical ability. While it can have a negative impact on your physical, mental, and emotional health, it’s important to remember that proven, evidence-backed treatment plans exist with professional physical therapy in Bethalto, IL. At Axes, we offer an entire team committed to helping you regain the joy of participating in the activities you love most in life.

How Physical Therapy Can Help With Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

If you are suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction, you may feel disappointed, embarrassed, or despairing. But a diagnosis is not the same thing as a permanent condition. With pragmatic treatment plans customized for you by your Bethalto, IL physical therapist, you can reclaim control over your life and enjoy a comfortable life.

Pelvic floor therapy involves exercises that can build strength in, stretch, or coordinate the pelvic muscles. The benefits of physical therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction in Bethalto, IL include:

• Improved pelvic floor muscle strength — Strengthening pelvic floor muscles can help improving bladder and bowel control, reduce symptoms of urinary and fecal incontinence, and offer better support for the pelvic organs.
• Improved pelvic floor muscle coordination — Enhancing coordination promotes vitals functioning, such as relaxing and contracting muscles during urination, bowel movements, and sexual activity.
• Pain management — By targeting less strong or more rigid muscles and addressing painful spots, physical therapy can assist in lessening or getting rid of the pain you experience caused by pelvic floor dysfunction.
• Pre- and postpartum care — Pelvic floor therapy is frequently advised for expecting mothers and those who have just given birth. It can assist in preparing the pelvic floor for labor, reducing the likelihood of after childbirth pelvic floor dysfunction, and helping healing from changes and trauma to the pelvic floor related to pregnancy and labor.
• Sexual health improvement — By focusing on particular muscles and tackling any underlying issues, therapy can improve sexual excitement, climax, and overall sexual fulfillment.
• Education and self-management — Pelvic floor therapy is about more than just checking exorcises off of a list. By offering information and instructing you in tips you can utilize on your own, your Axes physical therapist helps you engage actively in your own care and empowers you to sustain a way of life that promotes pelvic floor health.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we have a team of knowledgeable pelvic floor therapists in Bethalto, IL who can assist you in improving your pelvic health and function. While some instances of pelvic floor dysfunction might require surgical intervention, the majority of patients in Bethalto, IL will likely find sustained and meaningful progress through non-invasive physical therapy techniques.

What Bethalto, IL Pelvic Floor Therapy Involves

Your first pelvic floor therapy session in Bethalto, IL will comprise an assessment of your current pelvic floor condition. The subsequent sessions will emphasize implementing your tailored treatment program.

Assessment and Evaluation

The journey of pelvic floor therapy begins with an initial evaluation. During this phase, your Bethalto, IL physical therapist will dedicate time to understand you and your symptoms. They will ask about your medical history, lifestyle, and goals. Additionally, they will perform a physical examination and musculoskeletal assessment of your trunk and pelvis to determine your current condition. With your approval, a pre-pelvic floor therapy assessment in Bethalto, IL may also include an internal examination to more determine the strength level. Alternatively, biofeedback sensors can be employed as an substitute to an internal examination.

The assessment and evaluation conducted by your physical therapist will aid in recognizing the potential causes of your pelvic floor dysfunction and facilitate the development of an suitable treatment plan to help you in getting back to the activities you cherish.

Pelvic Floor Therapy Treatments and Exercises

Upon reviewing the findings from your assessment and evaluation, your pelvic floor therapist in Bethalto, IL will develop a personalized treatment plan specific to your needs. This plan will incorporate defined goals, techniques, and anticipated results to guide your therapy.

Exercises for Pelvic Floor Therapy

Improving muscle strength and coordination is vital for any pelvic floor therapy plan. Exercises that may be included in your physical therapy treatment plan in Bethalto, IL include:

• Kegel exercises to loosen and tighten the pelvic floor muscles
• Diaphragmatic breathing to sync your breath with your pelvic floor motion
• Flexibility exercises to loosen tight muscles
• Strengthening exercises to develop weak muscles
• Functional training to incorporate new muscle patterns into daily tasks

The exercises your Bethalto, IL physical therapist prescribes for your pelvic floor dysfunction will differ based on your unique situation, but will all be aimed at rehabilitating your body and muscles for optimal health. Depending on your existing health and level of pelvic floor dysfunction, exercises may initially start with you reclining on your back and gradually advance to sitting and upright positions.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy, such as instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, involves your physical therapist using their hands to put pressure on and massage specific areas of your pelvis. It may include trigger point therapy (releasing tight knots in your muscles), nerve release (freeing up compressed nerves), joint mobilizing techniques (improving the mobility of your joints), deep tissue massage (relaxing tense muscles), or skin mobilization (lifting and rolling the skin to reduce adhesions).

Biofeedback Training

Biofeedback training makes use of a device to gauge and display the activity of your pelvic floor muscles on a screen. It help you learn how to control and harmonize your pelvic floor muscles by giving you live feedback on how they engage and relax. This feedback helps you better understand understand how to activate and release the muscles appropriately, optimizing your muscle coordination and command.

Behavioral and Lifestyle Modifications

Physical therapy isn’t just a catalog of exercises to complete – it also provides you with access to professional, science-backed insights that boost your everyday life. Your physical therapist may suggest you with:

• Alterations to your eating habits
• Liquid control
• Proper posture and safe lifting methods
• Strategies for addressing constipation
• Additional tips for a better day-to-day life and way of living

Enhancing the exercises and techniques employed in pelvic floor therapy with these modifications fosters enhanced pelvic floor function and overall well-being.

Other methods in pelvic floor therapy may incorporate therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation, vaginal dilators, weighted cones, medications, and more alternatives.

Axes Physical Therapy’s Approach to Pelvic Floor Therapy in Bethalto, IL

At Axes Physical Therapy, we wholeheartedly believe in providing personalized and empathetic treatment to our patients. Owned and operated by a dedicated physical therapist in Bethalto, IL, our practice is focused on the client and getting positive patient results. We comprehend that pelvic floor dysfunction can manifest as a sensitive and demanding condition. That’s why we approach every patient with the greatest respect, compassion, and customized attention.

We also embrace the belief in providing evidence-based and integrative care to our patients. We employ up-to-date research and cutting-edge technology to shape our treatment plans and methodologies. In addition, we present a range of other physical therapy services that can enhance your pelvic floor therapy, including:

• Orthopedic rehab
• Sports physical therapy
• Neurological physical therapy
• Geriatric physical therapy
• Pre- or post-surgery rehab

If you are exploring pelvic floor therapy in Bethalto, IL, trust in Axes. We have several convenient physical therapy locations in the Bethalto, IL area, all dedicated to attaining your best pelvic health.

Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Bethalto, IL Pelvic Floor Therapy Today

Don’t let pelvic floor dysfunction to prevent you from leading your best life. At Axes, our devoted physical and occupational therapists in Bethalto, IL have a unified mission: returning you to the things you treasure the most. Whether pelvic floor dysfunction is keeping your participation in your favorite sport or making it challenging to get through your day, we will tailor our physical therapy treatment plan precisely to you and your aspirations. Schedule an appointment through our website or reach out to the most convenient location to you to commence your path with Axes Physical Therapy in Bethalto, IL today.